Breakthrough agreement with Chile on skills training

Vocational education students from Chile will be trained on scholarships in Queensland next year following a breakthrough agreement on skills training with the Chilean Government.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today announced that Queensland had been chosen by Chile as one of only three worldwide study destinations for the scholarship program.

“This is a demonstration of confidence from the Government of Chile in the quality of the Queensland education system,” Mr Welford said.

“Australia, Canada and Spain were selected as the study destinations in 2008 for the first stage of Chile’s new three-year US $11 million vocational skills scholarship program.

“Following negotiations, Queensland has been confirmed as the only study destination in Australia for the first tranche of the Chilean scholarship students, based on our capacity to deliver quality education outcomes.

“It is the start of a strong relationship between our two Governments which will provide opportunities for Chilean students to undertake skills training in a range of disciplines.”

In May 2007, the Government of Chile announced it would provide scholarships for 500 domestic students to study overseas as part of a three-year program to overcome a vocational skills shortage in the booming Latin American nation.

In the first year of the program in 2008, there are 80 scholarships being provided globally and the Chilean Government has allocated 30 of these to Queensland. A further 420 scholarships will be offered globally in 2009 and 2010.

The scholarships involve 20 weeks of English language training and 20 weeks of technical training in areas such as mining, energy, tourism and metallurgy.

Trade Minister John Mickel said the landmark agreement further cemented Queensland’s reputation as a preferred study destination for international students.

“Last year, more than 60,000 students from more than 100 countries chose Queensland as their study destination,” Mr Mickel said.

“Latin America is an important emerging market for education with students from Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia studying in Queensland.

“Education and training is one of our leading export earners, and in 2006/07 returned more than $1.6 billion to the Queensland economy.”

Media contact: Minister Welford’s office – 32371000 or 0419 734 985
                            Minister Mickel’s office – 32371944